(Jan. 10, 2007) -- So let's see ... the four quarterbacks who are starting in the AFC playoff games this weekend include two guys who have started in the Super Bowl (Tom Brady and Steve McNair) and another who has led his team to four consecutive division titles (Peyton Manning).

Then there's Philip Rivers, who will be making his first postseason appearance Jan. 14 when the Chargers play host to the Patriots.

We always hear about this "playoff experience," and what a big factor it is. Well, maybe it is to some people, but not to me. I've been preparing my notes to call the New England-San Diego game on CBS this weekend, and I have written nothing about the importance of this being Rivers' first playoff game. It never crossed my mind.

Let's take a look at Rivers. He's a third-year player in the NFL, he took every offensive snap for the Chargers this season and he was a four-year starter in college who played in several big games during that time. He might have some jitters when the game starts, but that will go away quickly. He's not going to be out there thinking, "Wow, this is a playoff game, this is different."

Rivers is the best QB Marty's ever had in the playoffs. 9 of Marty's 12 playoff losses have come against HOF QBs, but he's never had a QB as good as Rivers or a RB as good as Tomlinson to counter them with.

Rivers is the best QB Marty's ever had in the playoffs. 9 of Marty's 12 playoff losses have come against HOF QBs, but he's never had a QB as good as Rivers or a RB as good as Tomlinson to counter them with.

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Kosar was pretty good back in the day, and there WAS that guy in the HOF, Joe something or other.